Internal Audit

Internal Audit is a section within the Financial Management Unit, the other sections being Accountancy & Payments and Revenues.

The Internal Audit section is an independent appraisal function established by the Council under the requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 1996. The section is concerned with the review of the internal control systems of the Council as a service to the organisation. It objectively examines, evaluates and reports on the adequacy of internal control as a contribution to the proper, economic, efficient and effective use of resources. 

To this end it is the responsibility of Internal Audit to evaluate and report on the soundness and adequacy of controls that promote:

• the development and implementation of the Council corporate objectives 
• reliability of records and production of effective management information 
• compliance with law, regulations and procedures 
• protection of Council assets and interests 
• value for money through operational efficiency 
• the existence of an anti-fraud and corruption environment   

Other Duties

The Internal Audit section is required to produce a three year, risk based strategic audit plan. The plan is agreed by the Council’s Audit Overview Committee. The individual audit’s within the plan are to be completed to the standards adopted from CIPFA’s “Code of Practice for Internal Audit in Local Government”.

Reporting Arrangements

On a quarterly basis, all completed audits and progress made in completing the audit plan, will be reported to the Council’s Audit Overview Committee.

Independence

The Internal Audit section is required to provide an objective audit service in line with best practice and professional auditing standards. To this end it is essential that sufficient independence is attached to this work through adequate scope, authority and objectivity.

Access

The Internal Audit section has unrestricted access to all buildings, activities, employees, information, explanations and documentation required to discharge the audit role. This right of access is documented as part of the Council’s Financial Regulations, and any interference, if found to be unreasonable, will be deemed a breach of those Regulations.